Results from the 2020 NZRL Women’s National Championship (North Island) action at Bruce Pulman Park.
ROUND ONE:
Upper Central (18) v Auckland Vulcans (14)
Upper Central’s forward pack dominated the first half which allowed their backs to pile on points. Honey Hireme-Smiler’s return to football was felt as she continued to open up space for the Stallion’s putting them in good attacking position.
The Auckland Vulcans mastered an impressive second half comeback however it was overshadowed by penalties and errors late in the game. Upper Central earned their first win of the Championship 18 to 14.
Upper Central (18)
Try Scores: Autumn Stephens (2), Kahurina Cassidy, Kate Henwod, Tiria Anderson.
Conversions: Honor Wilson (1)
Auckland Vulcans (14)
Try Scores: Lilieta Maumau, Yasmin Puru-Tongia (2)
Conversions: Jhana Magele (1)
Wellington Orcas (18) v Northern Swords (12)
After an even battle throughout the first half with one try a piece it was Wellington who showed their dominance in the second forty. A late intercept try by the Swords wasn’t enough as Wellington took it home four tries to two.
Wellington (18)
Try scores: Beryl Ena, Sherri Burgess, Teuila Taito, Hinekura Connor-Phillips
Conversions: Tawny Burgess (1)
Northern Swords (12)
Try scorers: Lanaya Morgan, Amanda Nepia
Conversions: Makayla Eli (2)
ROUND TWO:
Upper Central Stallions (42) v Northern Swords (08)
The Upper Central Stallions dominated in what was a one-sided affair. The nine try to two spectacle kept the Swords out of reach for majority of the game. Makayla Eli scored the Swords two tries but Upper Central fullback Autumn Stephens impressed with a hattrick. Stallions remain undefeated.
Upper Central (42)
Try scorers: Autumn Stephens (3), Leah-Rhys Rangi Toka, Sapphire Tapsell, Anahera Mohi, Roelien Du Plessis, Trisha Tarsau-Hina, Jayde August.
Conversions: Tiria Anderson (2), Sapphire Tapsell
Northern Swords (08)
Try scorers: Makayla Eli (2)
Auckland Vulcans (30) v Wellington Orcas (14)
Doubles to Shannon Muru and Keri Ratima helped the Auckland Vulcans secure a 30-14 victory over Wellington. A late first-half surge saw Wellington score back-to-back tries and reduce the deficit to 18-10 at the break. But the Vulcans were too good running away with it seven tries to three.
Auckland Vulcans (30)
Try scorers: Keri Ratima (2), Elizabeth Taka, Shannon Muru (2), Nikita-Danielle Ngarongo-Porima, Shontelle Woodman
Conversions: Jhana Magele
Wellington Orcas (14)
Try scorers: Sherri Burgess, Syntyche Maiava, Hinekura Connor-Phillips
Conversions: Tawny Burgess
ROUND THREE:
Upper Central (22) v Wellington Orcas (10)
It was Upper Central that dominated most of the match with a double to Roelien Du Plessis however the Orcas fought to the death scoring two unanswered tries to finish the game on a high.
Upper Central (22)
Try scorers: Autumn Stephens, Sapphire Tapsell, Roelien Du Plessis (2), Mikayla Kidd
Conversions: Trisha Tarsau-Hina
Wellington Orcas (10)
Try scorers: Tawny Burgess, Lusia Tapusoa
Conversions: Tawny Burgess
Northland Swords (08) v Auckland Vulcans (40)
The Vulcans raced out to a 16-4 lead at half-time, with Tauhalaliku later going on to score a record a hat-trick. The spirited Northlanders did hit back late, but the Vulcans were all class, deservedly earning themselves a spot in the National Women’s Championship final.
Auckland Vulcans (40)
Try scorers: Natalee Tagavaitau, Keri Ratima, Lavinia Tauhalalikue (3), Sarah Filimoeatu, Yasmin Puru-Tongia, Jhana Magele.
Conversions: Jhana Magele (2) Kaylarnee Meleisea Murray (2)
Northern Swords (08)
Try scorers: Jaylyn Campbell Kamariera, Kaylen Ikitule
